It is not unheard of to come across the phrase, "dogs are man's best friend." They help ease loneliness and depression and are also the ultimate exercise buddies! Studies indicate that dog owners are more likely to meet daily physical activity recommendations than those without dogs.
For senior loved ones residing in Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, and Okatie, regular physical activity is essential for various reasons, such as:
- To improve their strength
- To prevent diseases such as heart disease
- To improve mental health
- To improve cognitive function
- To improve balance and coordination
While staying physically active proves beneficial, exercising with a dog is more fun. Here are ways to build and maintain a healthy and fun fitness routine with a dog pet.
Assessing Their Fitness Level
Checking and recording standard fitness scores can help senior loved ones get the benchmarks against which to measure their progress. Keeping track of the pulse rate before and after an exercise or measuring how far they can reach while stretching is a great way to assess their progress.
Designing a Fitness Program
Planning and setting clear goals not only help senior clients gauge their progress; it also helps them stay motivated. In addition, spreading out moderate forms of exercise throughout the week helps create a balanced routine.
Assembling Their Equipment
Senior loved ones living in Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, and Okatie may start by getting athletic shoes to enhance walking exercises. They should also get a comfortable dog leash to facilitate a smooth dog walk. Finally, if they consider keeping track of their distance, heart rate, or calories burned, there are options for mobile phone fitness apps and wearables.
Getting Started
While not all forms of exercise are recommended for everyone, we've assembled a few senior-friendly activities. They include:
Feeding the Dog Pets
Simple activities such as filling a dog's food bowl, or ensuring the feeding bowls are clean for the subsequent filling are great ways to encourage senior clients to stay active. Taking up the responsibility to offer day-to-day assistance in ensuring that the dogs are fed can also have a profound positive impact on boredom.
Swimming
Nothing beats the joy of going for a dip in the pool with a canine companion. It is one of the complete forms of exercise for senior loved ones. Participating in therapeutic swimming is not only a fun recreational activity but also a low-impact sport. It is an excellent option for senior clients who cannot participate in other exercise forms.
However, before considering taking a dog pet for a dip, senior loved ones need to figure out if their dog breed has a strong swimming ability. Some dogs tend to get frightened by water which could result in problems. If the senior loved ones do not own a swimming pool, they can sign up for senior swimming programs around their area.
Regular Play Sessions with the Dogs
Frequent play sessions with pet dogs are a great way to provide a senior loved one with plenty of exercise. It can be as simple as carving out time daily to play frisbee or tug. While playing, it is important to remember that to make the game more engaging and fun, seniors should let the dog win and offer a reward each time.
Dog walk
Canine pets need short walks to stay physically active. For senior dog owners taking their dogs for a walk is the least stressful way to exercise. All they need to do is find a safe, moderate trail through a park or walk around the perimeter of their home.
It's not a secret that the benefits of owning a dog go beyond companionship. While setting some time aside to exercise can be challenging for senior clients, creating an exercise routine with a pet dog is essential. Starting and progressing at a slow pace can add up to provide a health benefit.
If you have a loved one or know someone living with Alzheimer's, Dementia, or Parkinson's and are looking for an in-home caregiver, we have your back! At Senior Helpers of Hilton Head, SC, we are a national leader in professional, in-home senior assistance services around Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, and Okatie. Our caregivers are well trained to offer compassionate care and improve the quality of life for your senior loved ones. Contact us today for help.